Art collective Off Modern formed in 2008 with their main focus revolving around monthly art exhibitions-come-club nights in a railway arch in South London. In the last few years they have endeavored to engage in a much wider range of activities from producing zines, journals, hosting a regular radio show on NTS to curating exhibitions and live music events.

The next installment in this exciting growth sees the birth of Off Modern Records. The first physical release is the debut solo single of ex-Loverman vocalist Gabriel Bruce and is titled Sleep Paralysis. The record also features a 50-page illustrated book that delves into the phenomenon that inspired the track. It features cuttings and ephemera of people’s recollections on the subject, interspersed with intricate illustrations and Bruce’s own writing. The book is beautifully constructed both graphically and physically, and includes three paper stocks, a number of different printing methods including screen-printing, a card cover and a hand applied bellyband available in four different colours.

In an industry flooded by illegal downloading and music that’s accessed rather than owned, this record not only sounds great, but also acts to mark a necessary evolution in the way music is presented. It illustrates the value added in having a strong prevailing concept and an intimate relationship between the artist and those in charge of production. It’s really refreshing to see so much effort put into the creation of a record and has certainly got us excited about what the future holds for both artist and label. To pre-order, click here.

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Check out Bruce’s brooding synth-phony below.